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Topic: Running 1 AC and clothes dryer shuts down AC power to coach (Read 615 times) previous topic - next topic

Running 1 AC and clothes dryer shuts down AC power to coach

Could this be a ATS problem?
Thanks,
Mike
Mike Brady
'97 U320 SE. #5137
'13 Honda Fit
Willow Springs, MO

Re: Running 1 AC and clothes dryer shuts down AC power to coach

Reply #1 –
When you say shuts down power do you mean it trips the breaker at the post, or does something reset on it's own. Please give more details.  It could be overloading one leg, was anything else being run on that same leg like fridge, converter/inverter, or coffee maker? Have you changed A/C units to see if the same thing?

Mike
Pamela & Mike 97 U 320

"It's not what happens to you, but how you react to it that matters."

Re: Running 1 AC and clothes dryer shuts down AC power to coach

Reply #2 –
The AC power once it is in the coach.  Nothing else being powered.  Dryer or AC alone, no problem.  Both AC's, no problem.  Didn't used to do it.
Mike
Mike Brady
'97 U320 SE. #5137
'13 Honda Fit
Willow Springs, MO

Re: Running 1 AC and clothes dryer shuts down AC power to coach

Reply #3 –
That sounds like the overload heater in the contactor relay in the ATS (auto transfer switch) is weak and needs replacing.  Now that is just a wag without being where you are to see first hand.  This would also depend on which transfer switch you have if the contactor has heaters our '97 has heaters on the relays.

Mike

 
Pamela & Mike 97 U 320

"It's not what happens to you, but how you react to it that matters."

Re: Running 1 AC and clothes dryer shuts down AC power to coach

Reply #4 –
What do you have to do to get power back on? Are you on 50a power?
2014 ih45  (4th Foretravel owned)
 1997 36' U295 Sold in 2020, owned for 19 years
  U240 36' Sold to insurance company after melting in garage fire
    33' Foretravel on Dodge Chassis  Sold very long time ago

Re: Running 1 AC and clothes dryer shuts down AC power to coach

Reply #5 –
I was ask to expand on a contactor heater for those that don't know what a heater is or does. It is a safety device that protects the contactor in case of overload.  It don't have anything to do with below freezing temp. operation as you may think.

Mike
Pamela & Mike 97 U 320

"It's not what happens to you, but how you react to it that matters."

Re: Running 1 AC and clothes dryer shuts down AC power to coach

Reply #6 –
What are some options for replacement of the Transfer Switch boxes these days?  The ones I have now are obsolete and I can't find a direct replacement.
Mike
Mike Brady
'97 U320 SE. #5137
'13 Honda Fit
Willow Springs, MO

Re: Running 1 AC and clothes dryer shuts down AC power to coach

Reply #7 –
Quote from: Yetch –
What are some options for replacement of the Transfer Switch boxes these days?  The ones I have now are obsolete and I can't find a direct replacement.
What model ATS switches do you have now?

There are several options for automatic switches from different manufacturers.  OR, some of us have replaced the shore/gen ATS with a manual switch.  Let us know if you want to go that route.

If you wish to stay with the factory "automatic" transfer system, then the PD52 should work.  Check around online to find the best price, and places that have it in stock.

Amazon.com: Progressive Dynamics PD52V 5200 Series Automatic Transfer Switch...

See link below for one recent discussion on the PD52:

Transfer switch Question

If you wish to try to trouble shoot your existing switch, the link below and video may help you understand how a standard ATS operates:

https://www.progressivedyn.com/wp-content/uploads/Support/manuals/Technical-library/PD52-Transfer-switch-troubleshooting-.pdf

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N20Hi6vg27w

As an Amazon Associate Foretravel Owners' Forum earns from qualifying purchases.
1993 U280 SE 40' WTBI, Build: 4359
C8.3 300hp, 6-Speed, Exhaust Brake
960 watts on the roof (6 x 160)
Sorento (or BOLT) on a Kar Kaddy SS
"Nature abhors a vacuum"

Re: Running 1 AC and clothes dryer shuts down AC power to coach

Reply #8 –
Quote from: Chuck & Jeannie –
  OR, some of us have replaced the auto shore/gen ATS with a manual switch.  Let us know if you want to go that route.

I think it was Chuck that talked me into going this route and I'm very happy I did. Simple, always works, and most of all it's dead silent. No humming.
1987 Grand Villa ORED
2001 U320 4010

Not all that wander are lost... but I often am.

Re: Running 1 AC and clothes dryer shuts down AC power to coach

Reply #9 –
The switches that are installed I think are original.  MagneTek model ATS 100. 
I like the idea of the manual setup.  Can you expand on this or send me a link?
There is also some sort of unit before the transfer switches made by RV Electronics PLM 2A, some sort of ac input monitor.
Thanks, Mike
Mike Brady
'97 U320 SE. #5137
'13 Honda Fit
Willow Springs, MO

Re: Running 1 AC and clothes dryer shuts down AC power to coach

Reply #10 –
Have we tested the transfer switch to make sure it is good or bad?
2014 ih45  (4th Foretravel owned)
 1997 36' U295 Sold in 2020, owned for 19 years
  U240 36' Sold to insurance company after melting in garage fire
    33' Foretravel on Dodge Chassis  Sold very long time ago

Re: Running 1 AC and clothes dryer shuts down AC power to coach

Reply #11 –
Quote from: Yetch –
I like the idea of the manual setup.  Can you expand on this or send me a link?
This is the one I have: Blue Sea Systems 9093 AC Rotary Switch 2-position off 4 Pole for sale online...

$465 is about double what I paid less than a year ago though. Wow.
1987 Grand Villa ORED
2001 U320 4010

Not all that wander are lost... but I often am.

Re: Running 1 AC and clothes dryer shuts down AC power to coach

Reply #12 –
Quote from: Yetch –
I like the idea of the manual setup.  Can you expand on this or send me a link?
See link below for some details on my manual switch installation.  The Blue Sea switch I used is considerably less expensive than the one in Elliott's link.  I don't think a 4-pole switch is required for this application.

Transfer switch questions

Amazon.com : AC Rotary Switch - OFF + 2 Positions 240V AC 65A : Boating...



As an Amazon Associate Foretravel Owners' Forum earns from qualifying purchases.
1993 U280 SE 40' WTBI, Build: 4359
C8.3 300hp, 6-Speed, Exhaust Brake
960 watts on the roof (6 x 160)
Sorento (or BOLT) on a Kar Kaddy SS
"Nature abhors a vacuum"

Re: Running 1 AC and clothes dryer shuts down AC power to coach

Reply #13 –
Quote from: Yetch –
There is also some sort of unit before the transfer switches made by RV Electronics PLM 2A, some sort of ac input monitor.
Google says it is a hard wired surge protector/power line monitor.  Company went out of business.  Similar in concept (but not quality) to present day Progressive Industries offerings.

1993 U280 SE 40' WTBI, Build: 4359
C8.3 300hp, 6-Speed, Exhaust Brake
960 watts on the roof (6 x 160)
Sorento (or BOLT) on a Kar Kaddy SS
"Nature abhors a vacuum"

Re: Running 1 AC and clothes dryer shuts down AC power to coach

Reply #14 –
Yes, switches were checked out as I was having new inverter/converter/charger installed, but this problem arose after this work was done.  I don't think it has anything to do with that, though. 
I am using an Electrical Management System EMS PT50C by Progressive Industries with my shoreline input to the coach.
Mike
Mike Brady
'97 U320 SE. #5137
'13 Honda Fit
Willow Springs, MO

Re: Running 1 AC and clothes dryer shuts down AC power to coach

Reply #15 –
If everything was working and now after getting some work done, doesn't work that would lead me to think that the new work is causing the problem.
previous 1984 35 ft ORED 250 HP 3208 Cat       
previous 1998 40 ft U295 CAI 325 hp Cummins
previous 2003 40 Ft u320 build #6140 450 Cummins M11.                                                         
1999 Mazda Miata
Ron, Nancy, Tipper the cat, Max The dog
1997 U 270 36 ft build number 5174 8.3 Cummins
 

Re: Running 1 AC and clothes dryer shuts down AC power to coach

Reply #16 –
Quote from: red tractor –
If everything was working and now after getting some work done, doesn't work that would lead me to think that the new work is causing the problem.
Exactly. Was unaware of work accomplished. Put a amp meter on each leg, i bet one is now hi and one is now low.
Scott